Tom touches him and instantly he feels himself calm and loosen. It's like a reminder: this is not how things were before. Everything has still changed. He's better, stronger, and Tom and Neil are with him, and that doesn't have to be all bad.

It's all right to be a little selfish.

"Okay," he says, just as softly, giving Tom a quick and grateful glance before reaching back and touching Neil's knee. "You all right?"